Review Summary
- Reputation: Established 2007, one of Europe's largest training organizations, 3,000+ graduates from 90+ countries
- Facilities: Modern training center, 60+ aircraft fleet, full flight simulators, excellent weather
- Location: Jerez de la Frontera, Spain - 320+ days sunshine, Mediterranean climate
- Airline Partnerships: Ryanair, easyJet, Vueling, Iberia, Norwegian, multiple cadet programs
- Overall Rating: 4.7/5 - Outstanding training quality, excellent weather, strong career support
FTEJerez Overview
Flight Training Europe (FTEJerez) is one of Europe's largest and most prestigious flight training organizations, established in 2007 in Jerez de la Frontera, southern Spain. The school operates as an EASA-approved Approved Training Organization (ATO) offering comprehensive integrated and modular pilot training programs. With over 3,000 graduates from more than 90 countries, FTEJerez has established itself as a premier destination for aspiring airline pilots.
The academy operates from a purpose-built training facility adjacent to Jerez Airport, providing students with access to one of Spain's finest training environments. FTEJerez maintains a fleet of over 60 modern training aircraft and multiple full flight simulators, making it one of the best-equipped schools in Europe. The location offers exceptional year-round flying weather with over 320 days of sunshine annually.
FTEJerez is owned by the FTE (Flight Training Europe) group, which also operates schools in Valencia and Brussels. Spain's excellent weather, affordable living costs, and strong aviation industry make Jerez an ideal location for pilot training. The school's partnerships with major European airlines and comprehensive career support services provide graduates with excellent employment prospects.
Training Programs Offered
Integrated ATPL Program
Zero to Airline Ready
Program Details
Best For: Students seeking intensive training in optimal weather conditions with strong airline connections. Multiple airline cadet programs available including Ryanair Future Pilot Programme.
Modular Training
Individual Courses
Course Options
Type Rating Courses
Airline Qualification
Available Ratings
Complete Cost Analysis
Integrated ATPL Cost Breakdown
Living Expenses (Monthly)
Additional One-Time Costs
Total Investment: €100,000-€115,000 including 12-18 months living expenses and all training. FTEJerez offers payment plans and has partnerships with financial institutions for student loans. Mid-range pricing for European schools with excellent value considering weather advantages and training quality.
Facilities and Fleet
Training Center
- Modern 10,000+ sqm purpose-built facility at Jerez Airport
- 30+ fully equipped classrooms with latest technology
- Dedicated computer-based training rooms with 100+ workstations
- Student lounge areas and collaborative study spaces
- Professional flight planning rooms with weather briefing facilities
- On-site restaurant, accommodation assistance, and student support services
Simulator Fleet
- Multiple Full Flight Simulator Airbus A320 family Level D
- Full Flight Simulator Boeing 737NG Level D
- 6+ FNPT II multi-engine simulators latest generation
- 4+ FNPT I single-engine simulators with glass cockpit
- Upset prevention and recovery training devices
- Advanced visual systems and motion platforms
Aircraft Fleet (60+ Aircraft)
Single-Engine:
- Diamond DA40 NG (Primary training fleet)
- Cessna 172 S (Alternative trainers)
- Piper PA-28 Warrior (Additional capacity)
Multi-Engine:
- Diamond DA42 NG (Modern twin training)
- Tecnam P2006T (Fuel efficient twins)
- Piper PA-44 Seminole (Complex training)
Specifications:
- Average fleet age: 3-6 years
- Garmin G1000 glass cockpit standard
- Comprehensive maintenance program
Location: Jerez de la Frontera, Spain
Living in Jerez
Location
Jerez de la Frontera in Andalusia, southern Spain. Population 215,000, famous for sherry wine and flamenco culture. 15km from airport
Weather
Over 320 days sunshine annually. Mediterranean climate with mild winters (10-18°C) and warm summers (25-35°C). Ideal year-round flying
Cost of Living
30-40% lower than northern Europe. Affordable Spanish lifestyle with excellent food, culture, and quality of life
Language
Spanish primary language but English widely spoken in aviation community. Great opportunity to learn Spanish during training
Airspace
Excellent training airspace with minimal congestion. Mix of controlled and uncontrolled zones. Easy access to coastal and mountain flying
Location Benefits
1 hour from Seville, 1.5 hours from Gibraltar. Close to beaches, cultural attractions, and international airports for travel
Jerez de la Frontera provides an exceptional environment for flight training with its outstanding weather being the primary advantage. The city offers authentic Spanish culture, excellent food, vibrant nightlife, and numerous festivals throughout the year. The international student community is large and diverse, making it easy for foreign students to integrate and build lasting friendships.
The consistent flying weather means minimal training delays and faster course completion compared to northern European locations. Students typically complete training 2-4 months faster than in UK or northern schools. FTEJerez provides comprehensive support for accommodation arrangements, with most students living in shared apartments within 10-15 minutes of the training center.
Key Advantages
Exceptional Weather
Over 320 days of sunshine annually enables consistent training progression. Complete courses 2-4 months faster than northern European schools. Minimal weather delays mean better value and faster completion.
Large Modern Fleet
60+ aircraft fleet ensures excellent aircraft availability. Modern glass cockpit aircraft prepare students for airline operations. Multiple simulators provide comprehensive training without weather constraints.
Strong Airline Connections
Partnerships with Ryanair, easyJet, Vueling, and other major European carriers. Multiple cadet programs with direct pathways. Excellent graduate employment rate of approximately 80% within 12 months.
World-Class Facilities
10,000+ sqm purpose-built training center with latest technology. Multiple full flight simulators. Professional environment matching major airline training standards.
International Community
Students from 90+ countries create diverse learning environment. English-language instruction. Strong international networking opportunities valuable for career development.
EASA Excellence
Full EASA approval ensures highest training standards. Licenses valid across all 35 EASA member states. International recognition enables worldwide career opportunities.
Important Considerations
Higher Costs than Eastern Europe
Training costs €10,000-€20,000 more than schools in Poland, Czech Republic, or Lithuania. Living expenses also higher than Eastern European alternatives. However, weather advantages can offset through faster completion.
Summer Heat
July-August temperatures regularly exceed 35°C (95°F). Can be uncomfortable for students from cooler climates. Early morning and evening flights scheduled during peak summer. Consider this if heat sensitive.
Language Barrier Outside Aviation
While training conducted in English, daily life requires basic Spanish for optimal experience. Not all locals speak English fluently. Learning basic Spanish recommended for better integration and quality of life.
Comparison with European Schools
| School | Location | ATPL Cost | Fleet |
|---|---|---|---|
| FTEJerez | Spain | €85-95k | 60+ aircraft |
| BAA Training | Lithuania | €65-75k | 30+ aircraft |
| CAE Oxford | UK | €115-130k | 50+ aircraft |
| Flying Academy | Czech Rep | €65-70k | 40+ aircraft |
| L3Harris | UK | €120-140k | 45+ aircraft |
FTEJerez offers mid-range pricing between budget Eastern European schools and premium UK institutions. The exceptional weather and large fleet justify the premium over schools like BAA Training while providing better value than UK alternatives. Consider the weather advantage enabling 2-4 months faster completion when evaluating costs.
Student Reviews and Testimonials
"Completed integrated ATPL in 14 months thanks to amazing weather. Professional instructors, modern fleet, excellent facilities. Got job offer from easyJet through FTE career support before graduation. Weather advantage alone saves months of training time and costs."
– James P., UK (Graduated 2024)
"Chose FTEJerez over UK schools for weather and cost. No regrets. Flew almost every day, finished ahead of schedule. Great international community, loved living in Jerez. Now flying for Ryanair. Highly recommend for anyone serious about airline career."
– Anna M., Poland (Graduated 2024)
"High quality training and great facilities. Summer heat intense but manageable. More expensive than Eastern Europe but weather makes it worthwhile. Finished 3 months faster than friends training in UK. Good airline connections and career support."
– Carlos R., Spain (Graduated 2023)
Overall Student Rating: 4.7/5 based on graduate feedback. Students consistently praise exceptional weather, modern facilities, professional instructors, and strong career support. Weather advantage frequently cited as primary benefit. High graduate satisfaction and recommendation rate.
Final Verdict: Is FTEJerez Right for You?
FTEJerez represents an outstanding choice for students who prioritize training efficiency, excellent weather conditions, and strong airline connections. The school combines world-class facilities, professional instruction, and one of Europe's largest training fleets in the optimal training environment. The exceptional weather alone typically saves 2-4 months training time compared to northern European alternatives, often offsetting the higher costs through faster completion.
Best suited for: Students seeking fastest possible training completion, those prioritizing consistent flying weather, candidates interested in Spanish lifestyle and culture, and pilots targeting major European low-cost carriers like Ryanair and easyJet. Consider carefully if extremely budget-constrained or heat-sensitive, but overall represents excellent value for quality-focused students.